Jonathan In Secret Talks To Bring Ibori Back To Nigeria

By SaharaReporters.

SaharaReporters has learnt from several authoritative sources that Nigeria's ruler, Goodluck Jonathan, is seeking a deal with the UK and United Arab Empire (UAE) to allow former Governor James Ibori of Delta State to return to Nigeria.

A source within the Jonathan administration familiar with the details of the deal said that Mr. Jonathan is “trying to persuade Britain and Dubai that to let Chief Ibori come back to Nigeria for a trial that would be a soft landing.”



Mr. Ibori, who is currently being held in Dubai, has lost his legal battles to avoid extradition to the UK where prosecutors have prepared a case file detailing his extensive money laundering activities during the eight years he ran Delta State. Several of Mr. Ibori’s associates, including his wife, Theresa Nkoyo Ibori, mistress Udoamaka Okoronkwo (nee Onuigbo), sister, Christine Ibori-Ebie, and his London-based lawyer, XXY, have been convicted by a Southwark Crown Court on money laundering charges. Most of them are serving five-year jail terms.

A high level diplomatic source told Saharareporters that the delay in repatriating Mr. Ibori to London was as a result of the highly secretive negotiations that Mr. Jonathan initiated with the government of Britain to facilitate the embattled former governor’s return to Nigeria.

“President Jonathan is assuring Britain that James Ibori will be tried by a Nigerian court, but the deal is to offer Chief Ibori the same kind of trial given to Mrs. Cecilia Ibru,” said a source, a member of Mr. Jonathan’s inner circles.

SaharaReporters sources said Jonathan not only bought the plan to have Ibori face trial in Nigeria but is also using all kinds of inducements to secure British cooperation. “He’s offering more concessions to UK oil interests in Nigeria to ensure that his proposal on Ibori is endorsed,” said a source.

Once the UK gives its assent, the proposal would then be sent to the monarchy in the UAE who will send Ibori back to Nigeria – to face another kangaroo trial.

Source: Sahara Reporters